FIRST COMMUNION HANDBOOK
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
www.Holyspirit-Highland.com
248-887-1634
2014 - 2015
“God’s love is first…”
FIRST COMMUNION REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, one must:
1. Be at least 7 years old, and if not, receive the Sacrament at the
discretion of the Pastor. _____
2. Desire to receive the Eucharist. _____
3. REGULARLY PARTICIPATE IN SUNDAY MASS. _____
4. Have completed the 1st year of Religious instruction and be enrolled
in the 2nd year (or equivalent). _____
5. Attend all classes during the First Communion program.
(the only exception will be an excused absence by Joey Segedy or Jillian Peck.) _____
6. Know the required prayers. _____
7. Be familiar with the life of Jesus and the story of the First Eucharist, (the Last Supper).
_____
8. Be able to distinguish between ordinary bread and wine - and the Body and Blood
of Jesus. _____
9. Be able to answer questions from "Basic Facts First Communion Candidates
Should Know" and return the fill-in-the-blank copy at the Communion Retreat. _____
10. Complete blue FIRST COMMUNION FORM by 12-17-14 and supply BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE (if baptized at another church). Attend Solemn Profession of Faith on
Feb. 7, 2015 if necessary. (see page 2) _____
11. ATTEND the Learning Mass on Thursday, January 29, 2015 @ 6:30PM. _____
12. Attend the RECONCILIATION WORKSHOP with at least one parent
Feb. 7, 2015. _____
13. Make a FAMILY FIRST COMMUNION BANNER (directions are in this handbook
and the banner is due at the First Communion Retreat on March 28th.) _____
14. ATTEND the First Communion Retreat on March 28th. _____
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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS.
IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION...
JANUARY 12, 2015 6:45 p.m. RECONCILIATION PARENT MEETING Monday Social Hall All parents with children preparing for
Reconciliation.
JANUARY 13, 2015 5:05 p.m. Repeat of above meeting
Tuesday Social Hall (babysitting available- Tuesday ONLY)
January 29, 2015 **LEARNING MASS**
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the church
Each year, our catechists request Father to celebrate a LEARNING MASS for our First Eucharist Candidates and their families to re-enforce the lessons they teach on the Mass. It is strongly encouraged that BOTH parent and child attend.
February 7, 2015 – First Reconciliation Workshop – with parent
9:30-12:00
If your child misses this date due to illness, it will be the parent’s responsibility to schedule Reconciliation during Fr. Wayne’s regular time, Saturday 11AM.
February 7, 2015 12:30 PM SOLEMN PROFESSION OF FAITH
*** If your child was baptized in a Christian Church (but not Catholic) Please note – Baptism in a Christian Church is valid but it is necessary for the child to make a Solemn Profession of Faith in order to be in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. For future reference this date will be recorded in the official Church Records. All children who were baptized but not in a Roman Catholic Church will be expected to attend with at least one parent.
MARCH 23, 2015 6:45 p.m. PARENT MEETING II
Monday Social Hall
MARCH 24, 2015 5:05 p.m. repeat of above meeting
Tuesday Social Hall (babysitting available – Tuesday only)
MARCH 28, 2014 - FIRST COMMUNION RETREAT DAY
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
A variety of activities and prayer to reinforce that the meaning of
Eucharist is to give "Thanks".
** FAMILY BANNER and REVIEW QUESTIONS ARE DUE AT THIS TIME **
FIRST COMMUNION PRACTICE
First Communion practice will take place during your child’s regular class time the week of April 13th.
We have room for 12 students at each Mass. Sign-up sheets are available at all parent meetings, and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
FAMILY BANNER DIRECTIONS
YOU WILL BE GIVEN A FELT BANNER AT THE RECONCILIATION MEETING IN JANUARY TO DECORATE AS A REMEMBRANCE OF YOUR CHILD’S FIRST COMMUNION. YOU MAY GLUE OR SEW ON CUTOUTS, EMBROIDER, CROSS STITCH, OR PAINT YOUR DESIGN. {Joey Segedy will have samples from last year as examples}. ALSO, YOUR FAMILY OR CHILD'S LAST NAME SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THE DECORATION ON THE FRONT OF THE BANNER.
A rod pocket needs to be at the top so we will be able to string them together and hang them on the back wall of the church. No dowels or other hanging apparatus will be needed.
YOUR FAMILY'S BANNER NEEDS TO BE TURNED IN BY RETREAT DAY IN MARCH.
12”
9”
IN PREPARATION FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST,
SECOND GRADE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING PRAYERS:
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SIGN OF THE CROSS – R, E
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
THE LORD’S PRAYER – R, E
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name. Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as
we forgive those who trespass
against us; and lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen
HAIL MARY - E
Hail Mary, full of grace!
The Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the
Fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen
HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER
Lord, send your Holy Spirit
into my heart so that I may touch
in a holy way everyone I meet.
Whether by the word I say,
the prayer I pray, or the life I live.
Amen
SUGGESTED OPENING - R
Help me Father, for I have sinned.
This is my first confession.
OR
My last confession was ______
ago. These are my sins:
ACT OF CONTRITION - R
O my God,
I am sorry for my sins.
In choosing to sin and failing to do good,
I have sinned against You and Your Church.
I firmly intend, with the help of Your Son,
to make up for my sins and to
love as I should.
OR
O my God, I am sorry I have sinned.
I love you and I promise to do better
From now own.
Please help, Jesus.
Amen
(or one of their own choosing)
GLORY BE - E
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen
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BASIC FACTS ALL
FIRST COMMUNION CANDIDATES SHOULD KNOW
SUGGESTED STUDY PLAN
CHILDREN: Ask Mom or Dad to help you read the questions below. They will show you the answer. PLEASE PRINT THE ANSWER ON THE DOTTED LINES. Then, read the question and its answer back to Mom or Dad! HAPPY STUDYING!
1. You became a child of Jesus at ______.
(Baptism)
2. At Mass, the Priest does what Jesus did at the ______
(Last Supper)
______.
3. Jesus changed bread and wine into His ______and
(Body and Blood)
______.
4. The special bread we eat at Mass is called ______of
(Body of Christ)
______.
5. The special wine we drink at Mass is called ______
(Blood of Christ)
of ______.
6. We call God's family the ______.
(Church)
7. In Holy Communion, who will be with you? ______.
(Jesus)
8. At Mass, the Holy Spirit changes bread and wine into ______.
(Jesus)
9. We talk and listen to God when we ______.
(Pray)
10. Our parish family comes together to celebrate Jesus with us at ______.
(Mass)
11. God's own Son who became one of us is ______.
(Jesus)
12. When the priest says "Body of Christ", we say ______.
(Amen)
13. Jesus is the heavenly Son of ______.
(God)
14. Jesus changes ______and ______into
himself as our special food.
(Bread and Wine)
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BY PARENTS
1. WILL MY CHILD GO TO CONFESSION BEFORE RECEIVING FIRST COMMUNION?
Yes. According to directions given by the Archbishop, the year 1986-87 was to be a transition year and in 1987-88 all parishes were to adopt the policy that the reception of First Eucharist is to be preceded by sacramental confession.
All second graders will participate in a communal penance service and Private Confession on February 8, 2014. (see important dates to remember pg. 1 & 3)
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2. DO THE CHILDREN HAVE TO KNOW ANY PRAYERS BY HEART BEFORE RECEIVING
FIRST COMMUNION?
Yes. The children must know the Sign of the Cross, the Glory Be, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and an Act of Contrition. We would appreciate it if you would work with your child at home on these prayers. They should be accustomed to praying at mealtime. It is important that they be able to pray to God in their own words. Begin now to have some form of family prayer each evening, if you have not begun already.
The way children genuflect, kneel, stand, and fold their hands in Church are also forms of prayer. These gestures can be practiced in Church as Holy Spirit is open all day. Please take your child into the Chapel and explain this is where Jesus will be at all times and in the tabernacle during Mass.
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3. HOW DO I TEACH MY CHILD TO SPEAK TO GOD IN HIS OWN WORDS?
Provide religious experiences in your home frequently because children learn more through sights, sounds, moods, and activities than by reasoning and reciting. Gradually accustom the young child to short periods of quiet during which he/she learns to sense God's presence and communicate with Our Father, God. The mood for silent exchange with God is brought about by your own calm, gentle manner as you speak of God. Suggest he/she think with God. God doesn't use voice or words when He speaks to us. He puts thoughts in our minds. Letting your child hear you speak to God in your words - from your heart - is probably the best way to begin.
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4. WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT WANT TO RECEIVE HIS FIRST COMMUNION?
Do not force a child to receive a Sacrament if he/she is not ready. If your child has a
fear of receiving the Eucharist - his/her fear is real -and there is some reason for it.
Through delicate questioning and talking together with your child, try to come to
the source of his/her fear. Members of our Education staff are happy to help you in
any way they can.
5. HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD PREPARE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENT?
Besides attending the parent meetings and helping your child each week with his/her assignments, be aware of the fact that you teach more by what you are and do than in what you say. Fundamental attitudes of faith and love will grow in your child gradually if he/she sees you face the realities of life in a faithful and loving manner. He/she will learn Christian attitudes from your values and goals and from your reaction to all that happens.
Point out that God comes to us through things and people. For His closest union with us He chose a meal of bread and wine. A meal is a family ceremony. It is a union with one's table companions, in sharing not only the same food, but, also minds and hearts. Every celebration includes a meal which brings about warmth, mutual love, and joy in each other's company. By receiving Communion, we enter into the closest possible union with Jesus and all the members of His family. Each Communion is a pledge of the final, never ending unity.
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6. WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD ABOUT FASTING BEFORE RECEIVING
COMMUNION?
Not to eat food for an hour before receiving Communion. Water is not considered food, but gum and candy are.
7. HOW SHOULD I SPEAK OF JESUS WHEN I AM TALKING WITH MY CHILD?
From the very beginning, be careful to avoid sentimental presentations of "Baby Jesus". When Christ was a baby He was baby Jesus. But He became an adult. Your child should learn that Jesus did not stay a baby. He grew big and strong. He died on the cross but came back to life. He is risen and alive!
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8. WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD TO DO AFTER HE HAS RECEIVED THE EUCHARIST?
Don't speak only of "being alone with Jesus" after receiving Communion or give the impression that receiving Holy Communion is merely a personal experience with no relation to the communion of others. It is well to teach your child that Jesus loves him/her. But teach also that he/she is closer to all other Christians when he/she receives the Eucharist and he/she can love others with the love Jesus shares with him/her. Encourage him/her to sing during the distribution of Communion.
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9. MAY WE CHEW THE HOST?
Yes, by all means. Don't suggest to your child that he/she might have difficulty in swallowing the Host, or in any other way, give him/her cause to fear. The experience must be for him/her a joyous one which he/she will want to repeat often.
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PRACTICAL DETAILS
FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE EUCHARIST
1. PICTURES: Due to the solemnity of the celebration, picture taking will be allowed from your seats only. Fr. Wayne and the catechists will pose for group pictures following the celebration. We will have a professional photographer on hand to capture your child with Fr. Wayne on film during Communion.
2. DRESS CODE: No special type of clothing is required for the reception of the Eucharist. We ask only that what the child wears is neat and clean. Beyond this, the type and color of clothing worn is entirely your choice. We have a number of dresses and suits which may be borrowed. Please return them after having them cleaned.
3. ARRIVAL TIME: Parents and children should be seated in the Church ½ hour prior to the celebration. Children will be called out to line up for the procession about 15 minutes before the start of the celebration.